Infułat priest Władysław Bochnak, Honorary Chaplain to the Holy Father, has died

Władysław Bochnak was born in 1934 in Groń near Nowy Targ. He studied theology in Wrocław and was ordained a priest on August 14, 1960. He began his priestly ministry as a curate in Milicz (1960–1963), then worked in Chojnów (1963–1965) and in the parish of the Holy Trinity in Legnica.

From 1968 to 1971, he was parish priest in Bogatynia. He served as the diocesan chaplain for the sick and diocesan charitable director. In 1974, he received a master's degree from the Catholic University of Lublin, and in 1984 a doctorate from the Pontifical Academy of Theology in Kraków. He lectured on the history of religious orders and the theology of religious life. Honorary Chaplain to the Holy Father (1981), dean of the Legnica-West deanery (1989), apostolic protonotary (1993), and vicar general of the Bishop of Legnica.

In 1994, he joined the established Legnica chapter as its provost. In 1988, Cardinal Henryk Gulbinowicz designated him parish priest of the cathedral parish in Legnica, with the aim of preparing the church to serve as the new Cathedral of the Diocese of Legnica. During this period, he was appointed chaplain to the army and police in Legnica.

In 1991, in cooperation with the Legnica voivode, the Mayor of Legnica, the military and police authorities, as well as other organizations, he prepared celebrations marking the 750th anniversary of the Battle of Legnica.

Władysław Bochnak organized and coordinated the construction of a monument to the Holy Father John Paul II. He participated both in preparations for the Pope's historic pilgrimage to Legnica on June 2, 1997, and in the construction of the monument in Skwer Orląt Lwowskich, commemorating the 760th anniversary of the Battle of Legnica and 2,000 years of Christianity. He authored several dozen academic publications and lectured at the Higher Theological Seminary in Legnica. In Wrocław, he taught doctoral students at the Pontifical Faculty of Theology.

Ten years ago, in 2004, the Legnica City Council, in recognition of the outstanding merits of Infułat priest Władysław Bochnak, awarded him the title of honorary citizen of Legnica.

The funeral Mass will take place on November 5 (Wednesday) at 12:00 noon. It will be presided over by Zbigniew Kiernikowski, Bishop of Legnica. The Infułat priest will be laid to rest in the crypt of Legnica Cathedral.

UM Legnica/ii